Minnesota GOP State Senator Anderson Dies, Senate Faces Two Vacancies

Minnesota State Senator Bruce Anderson, a Republican from Buffalo, died unexpectedly at the age of 75. Anderson was a dedicated public servant with a long career starting in 1995 in the Minnesota House before his election to the Senate in 2012, representing parts of Hennepin, Meeker, Sherburne, and Wright counties. A U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran, he also served in the Minnesota Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserves. Throughout his tenure, Anderson chaired veterans’ committees and was known for his work on agriculture, energy, rural economic development, rural broadband, and public safety. Both Republican and Democratic leaders praised Anderson's dedication, humility, and kindness, highlighting his ability to work across the aisle in an increasingly polarized environment. His passing leaves the Minnesota Senate down two members, as Sen. Nicole Mitchell recently announced her resignation following a felony conviction.